29 Short Hairstyles For Curly Hair Ideas
Curly hair offers a unique and dynamic texture that can be styled in countless ways, and short hairstyles can bring out its natural beauty while keeping things manageable.
Whether you have tight ringlets, loose waves, or thick curls, there’s a short hairstyle that suits you perfectly.
29 Short Hairstyles for Curly Hair Ideas
From defined curls to textured crops, these 29 ideas will inspire you to embrace your curly locks with confidence and style.
1. Curly Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is a timeless short hairstyle, and when combined with curly hair, it brings out a fresh and playful vibe.
The curls add volume and texture, giving the cut a lively feel.
Best For: Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a curl cream or mousse to define curls while keeping the volume in check.
2. Curly Bob
A curly bob is the perfect blend of sophistication and playful curls.
You can go for a chin-length or shoulder-length bob, depending on your preference.
Best For: Square, oval, and diamond faces.
Styling Tip: Scrunch the curls with a light mousse for natural, bouncy waves.
3. Curly Undercut
The curly undercut keeps the top portion of your curls voluminous while the sides are shaved or faded.
This is a bold look that contrasts the curls with a sharp fade.
Best For: Square, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a curl gel or cream to enhance the natural curl definition and volume on top.
4. Tapered Curly Cut
A tapered curly cut allows for a smoother transition from the voluminous curls on top to the shorter sides.
It’s a clean, polished look for curly hair.
Best For: Oval, round, and square faces.
Styling Tip: Keep the top curls well-defined with a light styling cream and ensure the taper blends seamlessly.
5. Curly Lob (Long Bob)
The curly lob is a chic and sophisticated style that’s slightly longer than a bob but still provides the benefits of a shorter cut.
The curls give it movement and texture.
Best For: Heart, oval, and square faces.
Styling Tip: Use a diffuser when blow-drying to create loose, soft curls and avoid frizz.
6. Curly Shag
A curly shag gives you layers and texture, making your curls appear fuller and more dynamic.
This is perfect for a laid-back, boho-inspired look.
Best For: Oval, round, and square faces.
Styling Tip: Tousle the curls with your fingers and use a lightweight texturizing spray to add volume.
7. Curly Mohawk
A curly mohawk is an edgy, bold choice that keeps the sides shaved or faded while leaving the top curls long and wild.
It’s all about embracing your curls with confidence.
Best For: Oval, round, and square faces.
Styling Tip: Use a curl-enhancing cream to keep curls defined and prevent them from falling flat.
8. Curly Fade
This style features a fade on the sides with longer curls on top, creating a contrast that draws attention to the natural curl pattern.
Best For: Square and round faces.
Styling Tip: Apply a curl gel or mousse to keep the top curls defined and add texture.
9. Short Curly Fro
A short curly afro celebrates natural curls with a rounded shape that’s both stylish and easy to maintain.
It’s a great option if you want a bold, defined look.
Best For: Round and square faces.
Styling Tip: Use a curl cream to define the fro without weighing it down.
10. Curly Side Part
This short curly style features a deep side part, with the curls sweeping to one side for an asymmetrical, yet stylish look.
Best For: Heart-shaped, oval, and square faces.
Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold gel to keep curls in place and prevent frizz.
11. Curly High Top Fade
Inspired by the ’80s and ’90s, the high-top fade lets the curls on top grow tall while the sides are shaved or faded for a clean look.
Best For: Oval and square faces.
Styling Tip: Define curls with a curl cream to keep them bouncy and lifted.
12. Curly Bowl Cut
The curly bowl cut is a retro-inspired style with curly hair cut to a rounded shape.
It offers a fun and unique take on curly short hair.
Best For: Round and square faces.
Styling Tip: Use a curl cream for control and a bit of mousse for added volume.
13. Curly Caesar Cut
This short and structured style features curls cropped to a uniform length, typically with a slightly longer fringe at the front.
Best For: Square, oval, and round faces.
Styling Tip: Apply a defining cream and use your fingers to shape the curls.
14. Curly Crew Cut
The curly crew cut is short and easy to maintain, with curly hair kept close to the scalp for a clean and classic look.
Best For: Square and round faces.
Styling Tip: Keep it low-maintenance by using a lightweight gel to define the curls without making them crunchy.
15. Curly Pixie with Side Swept Bangs
A pixie cut with side-swept bangs works wonderfully with curly hair.
The bangs add extra flair to the already voluminous curls.
Best For: Heart-shaped and oval faces.
Styling Tip: Use a curl defining mousse and apply it while the hair is still damp for best results.
16. Curly Pompadour
The curly pompadour is a voluminous style where curls are swept back on top, while the sides are kept shorter.
Best For: Oval and diamond faces.
Styling Tip: Use a curl-enhancing mousse to give the top extra height and keep it from falling flat.
17. Messy Curly Crop
For those who like a bit of a messy, tousled look, the curly crop gives your curls freedom while keeping the length short and manageable.
Best For: Round, square, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Apply a texturizing spray for a natural, tousled appearance.
18. Curly Pomp with Fade
This style features voluminous curls on top styled into a pompadour, while the sides are faded for a sharp contrast.
Best For: Oval, square, and round faces.
Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold pomade to keep the pompadour in place while defining the curls.
19. Curly Caesar with Fade
A combination of a Caesar cut with a fade, the curly Caesar with fade offers a clean, sharp, and modern look.
Best For: Oval and square faces.
Styling Tip: Use a lightweight curl cream to keep curls controlled while adding texture.
20. Short Curly Quiff
The quiff adds height and volume to the top while keeping the curls short and defined for an effortlessly cool style.
Best For: Square, oval, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Blow-dry curls with a diffuser for added volume, then apply curl cream for hold.
21. Curly Curved Line Up
A curved line-up creates a unique shape along the hairline, paired with short curls to highlight the contours of the face.
Best For: Square and round faces.
Styling Tip: Keep the hairline clean by using a razor or trimmer to maintain the curved shape.
22. Curly High Fade
A high fade with curly hair on top gives a modern, edgy vibe.
The fade starts high on the sides, leaving plenty of room for curls to shine on top.
Best For: Oval, round, and square faces.
Styling Tip: Define curls with a lightweight mousse to maintain volume.
23. Curly Slicked Back
The curly slicked-back style combines the elegance of a slicked-back look with natural curls on top.
Best For: Oval and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a styling gel to slick back the curls, but leave them slightly tousled for texture.
24. Curly Textured Crop
A cropped style with curls all over the head, giving a defined and textured look.
Best For: Square and round faces.
Styling Tip: Use a texturizing product to define curls and enhance the texture.
25. Curly Finger Waves
For those who want a more vintage touch, curly finger waves give a defined wave pattern while keeping the hair short.
Best For: Oval, round, and square faces.
Styling Tip: Apply a curl gel and shape curls with your fingers for defined waves.
26. Curly Low Fade
A low fade pairs perfectly with short curls for a sleek, clean look. The fade starts just above the ear, making the top curls the focal point.
Best For: Oval and square faces.
Styling Tip: Keep curls defined and separated with a curl-enhancing cream.
27. Curly Sideburns with Short Curls
Add some flair to your short curls by pairing them with well-defined sideburns for an edgy, unique look.
This style adds sharpness to the face while keeping the curls short and easy to maintain.
Best For: Oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Tip: Use a curl cream or gel to keep curls in place and shape the sideburns for a clean, sharp finish.
28. Curly Blunt Cut
A blunt curly cut features even-length curls all around the head, creating a bold and symmetrical look.
It’s perfect for those who like a structured, yet stylish vibe.
Best For: Square and round faces.
Styling Tip: Apply a smoothing serum to control frizz and maintain the crisp, blunt shape.
29. Curly Mohawk with Fade
A curly mohawk with fade adds dramatic flair by combining long, voluminous curls on top with a sharp fade on the sides.
It’s a bold, head-turning look that’s great for those who want to stand out.
Best For: Round and square faces.
Styling Tip: Use a curl-enhancing cream to add volume to the top curls while keeping the sides clean with a fade.
Conclusion
Short hairstyles for curly hair offer a wealth of options, from bold and edgy to classic and sophisticated.
The beauty of curly hair lies in its natural texture, and with the right cut and styling, you can embrace it fully while maintaining a manageable and flattering look.
When choosing a curly short hairstyle, consider your face shape, lifestyle, and personal style to find the best fit.
Don’t forget to use curl-specific products like defining creams, mousses, and gels to keep your curls looking their best, whether you want them tight and defined or loose and tousled.
Happy styling!